One Way to Two Way Street Conversions: A Boring, but Important Topic (Episode #23, 31 Jan. 2021)

Here, I talk about a seemingly boring topic, converting a one way street to a two way street.  The Iowa City staff recently pulled a capital improvement project converting Jefferson and Market Streets without consulting Council, a very troubling decision that I am hopeful that Council will reverse.  Ultimately, decision must be made by Council and not staff.   One way streets are a relic of 1960's carbon soaked, automobile centric planning. I will talk about the importance of two ways to produce safe streets, promote low carbon modes of transportations, and also, most importantly to reduce unnecessary law enforcement contacts, a key commitment that the City made last summer to the Iowa City Freedom Riders.   This podcast is focused on Iowa City, but people outside of Iowa City may find it useful to see how a city can reduce the need for law enforcement for traffic enforcement through modern street design and principles.  I am very hopeful that Council will align itself with 21st century design principles rather than 60's era carbon soaked design standards.